Modern Languages
Academic Programs
-
Foreign Language and Culture Studies BA: French Concentration -
Spanish BA -
Foreign Language and Culture Studies Double Major -
Spanish Double Major -
Chinese Language and Culture Minor -
French Minor -
Spanish Minor
Foreign Language and Culture Studies
Foreign Language and Culture Studies with a concentration in French is an interdisciplinary major that requires 20 credits of upper-level French courses, a minimum of 8 credits in a second foreign language, and selection of courses in related fields such as French and Francophone history, art history, global studies or linguistics. Students must take at least 20 credits taught in French. At least 20 credits for the major must be taken on the Alfred University campus. All courses used to complete the major must have grades of "C" or better.
Spanish
The Modern Languages Program offers a Spanish major giving students a proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Alfred students who complete a Spanish major develop their basic knowledge in three areas: Hispanic language, culture, and literature, when they complete the six core courses. Beyond this core, students are offered a series of elective courses allowing them to expand their knowledge in all three of the areas or to specialize in one. Majors in Spanish decide to use their language proficiency in business, government service, teaching, or community services. Study abroad is strongly recommended for both majors and minors. The Study Abroad Office on campus will help students find a suitable program.
Upon completion of the Foreign Language and Culture Studies or Spanish programs a student is able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of target cultures
- Demonstrate ability to critically analyze the style, context and content of selected text
- Demonstrate ability to find significant and appropriate scholarly resources, to cite and evaluate sources, and to describe the significance of research content
- Demonstrate ability to write comprehensibly with grammatical accuracy, a range of vocabulary and content. Show little evidence of English interference in target language
- Demonstrate aural comprehension and an ability to speak comprehensibly with overall grammatical accuracy, clarity, a range of vocabulary and content, and accurate pronunciation. Show little evidence of English interference in target language
Courses
CHIN 101: Chinese I
Credits 4This course is an introduction to the Mandarin Chinese language and cultures of the People's Republic of China.
CHIN 102: Chinese II
Credits 4The further development of basic language skills introduced in CHIN 101. A continuation of the study of the cultures of the People's Republic of China.
CHIN 201: Chinese III
Credits 4In this course students continue development of Chinese language skills; with attention to listening; speaking; reading and writing Mandarin. Students become more familiar with Chinese characters and gain a deeper understanding of China; its people and cultures.
CHIN 202: Chinese IV
Credits 4This course is the next phase for students who have completed CHIN 201. It continues in the strengthening of students' knowledge of and proficiency in Chinese. It enhances students' oral expression; reading comprehension; and cultural understanding.
CHIN 300: Special Topics
Credits 2 4Subject matter not covered in other courses. Topics vary from one semester to another.
CHIN 301: Advanced Conversation & Comp I
Credits 4This is an advanced-level course designed to further develop students’ proficiency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese and understanding of Chinese culture. (Fall)
CHIN 302: Advanced Conversation and Composition - II
Credits 4Advanced Conversation and Composition II is a continuation of the advanced-level of Chinese; aimed at further enhancing students’ speaking and writing abilities in Mandarin Chinese.
CHIN 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.
FREN 101: French I
Credits 4Introduction to the language and culture of the French-speaking world; speaking; reading; understanding and writing. Practice in language lab. Emphasis on communicative skills. Assumes no prior knowledge of the language. Not open to students with credit in FREN 102 or equivalent.
FREN 102: French II
Credits 4This course builds on French I; increasing students' communicative skills and exploration of French-speaking cultures. Students improve their proficiency in speaking; listening; writing and reading French through engaging in class activities; in the language lab and with independent work. Students learn to perform practical tasks like ordering in restaurants; dressing; visiting others; and making living arrangements.
FREN 201: Intermediate French III
Credits 4Continuation and further development of the skills learned in FREN 102. Students in FREN 201 will be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work; school; leisure; etc.; deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken; produce simple text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; and describe experiences and events; dreams; hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Increase focus on reading proficiency and more in-depth knowledge of the Francophone world.
FREN 202: Intermediate French IV
Credits 4Continuation and further development of the skills learned in FREN 201. Students in FREN 202 will be able to understand the main ideas of texts on both concrete and abstract topics; including technical discussions in their field of specialization; interact with increased fluency and spontaneity with native speakers; write clearly and accurately about a wide range of subjects. Continued exposure to the history and cultures of the Francophone world.
FREN 208: Francophone Queer Voices
Credits 4This course engages with works by contemporary queer authors; film makers; artists; and singers from France and Francophone countries (Algeria; Morocco; Ivory Coast; etc.). We will identify the concerns of this generation and discuss their place and visibility in society. Readings; films; and class discussions will provide students with the concepts and terminology to understand; discuss and analyze the experiences of queer individuals today. Please note: the course touches on topics of a potentially sensitive nature and includes some sexually explicit materials. Course is in English.
FREN 210: Global Perspectives: Paris
Credits 2This course enables students to develop an understanding and appreciation of another culture; first in the classroom; and then two weeks in Paris. The focus is on history; art; and contemporary culture. Open to all students.
FREN 301: Advanced French Conversation
Credits 4Intensive practice in speaking French; with particular attention to the French sound system. Topics for conversation are taken from contemporary French journals; newspapers; films; etc.
FREN 302: Advanced French Grammar and Composition I
Credits 4An analysis of the grammatical structure of the French language with emphasis on the more complex problems in French syntax and usage; followed by practice in composition. The course is conducted in French. (Alternate years)
FREN 305: French Pronunciation and Phonetics
Credits 2This course focuses on oral proficiency and listening comprehension; as well as French phonetics. Students gain a better understanding of the phonetic structure of French and improve all aspects of their pronunciation; including intonation; phrasing; syllable structure and stylistic interpretation.
FREN 310: Reading French Texts
Credits 4Intensive vocabulary building; writing; reading and discussion of texts in French. Designed to prepare students for other upper-level French courses. .
FREN 311: French Literature I
Credits 4A historical-critical view of French literature from the Middle Ages through the 18th century. Readings from anthologies and selected complete texts from each period. Discussion and reading in French.
FREN 312: French Literature II
Credits 4FREN 316: Contemporary French Culture
Credits 4Introduction to the most important elements of present-day French culture; literature; film; art; and music. Recent history and politics; economics and social structure; religion; family; cuisine; and customs. Readings and discussions in French. (Alternate years)
FREN 400: Special Topics in French
Credits 1 4Content varies from year to year with topics such as French Women's Literature and Feminist Theory; Bilingualism in Quebec; Medieval French Literature; Ethnic Minorities in France; Caribbean French Culture. The course is conducted in French.
FREN 420: The Art of French Translation
Credits 4Intensive practice in translation from French to English; and from English to French. Current nonfiction; fiction; periodicals; and newspapers are materials for translation. The course is conducted in French.
FREN 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4For students with a particular interest in an aspect of French language or literature not covered in any established course. Approved Plan of Study required.
FREN 485: Internship in French
Credits 1 4An off-campus project in consultation with faculty in the Division of Modern Languages. Students gain experience in a variety of careers involving French and related fields. The internship must be conducted in French. Requirements for this project include a journal; job evaluations; and a final report. May be taken during the summer or semester abroad. FREN 202 or equivalent proficiency recommended.
FREN 490: Modern Languages Senior Seminar
Credits 0In this seminar students have the opportunity to complete their electronic portfolio and prepare for an oral defense. In consultation with professors and peers; students select the documents to include in keeping with portfolio requirements. As part of this seminar; students write and revise their Senior Reflective Statement and their resume or curriculum vitae.
GLBS 210: Global Perspectives: Paris
Credits 2This course enables students to develop an understanding and appreciation of another culture; first in the classroom; and then two weeks in Paris. The focus is on history; art; and contemporary culture. Open to all students.
GLBS 213: Speaking the Unspeakable: Argentina's Literature of Dictatorship
Credits 4This course introduces literary representations of state violence and resistance during the Argentine military dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s. We engage in close readings of a variety of literary genres; including novels; short stories; autobiography; and testimonial literature. We combine literary readings with study of historical and theoretical texts in order to deepen our understanding of state terrorism; resistance; trauma; memory; and justice. The course is conducted in English; including the readings and films.
GLBS 216: Cuba Close Up: Film since the Revolution
Credits 4Cuban cinema was transformed by the Revolution; which elevated the importance of film in Cuba and contributed to its political nature. Students analyze filmic representations of gender; race; and socioeconomic class in their historical contexts; exploring the relationship among art; politics; and culture. Students develop critical skills for viewing and interpreting films and for speaking and writing about films and film genres.
GREK 101: Koine Greek I
Credits 4This course is a standard introduction to Koine Greek. Specifically; this course is primarily concerned with writing Koine Greek and translating Greek passages from the Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures; the Greek Christian scriptures; the Church Fathers; as well as selected writings from the historians Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. The course content for Koine Greek I includes: writing and pronouncing the Greek alphabet; pronunciation of Greek words; formation and translation of the first; second; and third declensions; formation and translation of the entire active; passive; and middle indicative verbal systems of ω and μι verbs; the relative pronoun; and the formation and translation of the present participle.
GREK 102: Koine Greek II
Credits 4This course is a continuation of Koine Greek I. Like Koine Greek I; this course is primarily concerned with writing Koine Greek and translating Koine Greek passages from the Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures; the Greek Christian scriptures; the Church Fathers; as well as selected writings from the historians Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. The course content for Koine Greek II includes: the formation and translation of participles; the formation and translation of the subjunctive mood; the formation and translation of the optative mood; the formation and translation of the imperative; the translation of articular infinitives; and the formation and translation of conditional statements. The course will conclude by translating extremely extended passages from multiple sources.
GREK 450: Koine Greek I
Credits 4GRMN 101: German I
Credits 4Introduction to the language and culture of the German-speaking world. Development of skills in speaking; reading; understanding and writing. Emphasis on communicative skills. Assumes no prior knowledge of the language. Not open to students with credit in GRMN 102 or the equivalent.
GRMN 102: German II
Credits 4This course builds on German I; increasing students' communicative skills and exploration of German-speaking cultures. Students improve their proficiency in speaking; listening; writing and reading German through engaging in class activities and with independent work. Prerequisite: a score of 201-400 on German Language Placement Exam; or permission of instructor.
GRMN 200: Special Topics in German
Credits 1 4This course will have varying topics each time the course is offered.
GRMN 201: German III
Credits 4Continuation and further development of basic skills learned in GRMN 102. Includes introduction to short fiction and a review of grammar.
GRMN 202: German IV
Credits 4Continuation of reading exercises and grammar review from GRMN 201. Further development of listening and speaking skills.
GRMN 400: Special Topics
Credits 1 4This course will have varying topics each time the course is offered.
GRMN 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4For students with a particular interest in an aspect of German language; culture or literature not covered in any established course. A 4-hour independent study is required of German majors. Approved Plan of Study required.
GRMN 485: Internship in German
Credits 1 4An off-campus project in consultation with faculty in the Division of Modern Languages. Students gain experience in a variety of careers involving German and related fields. The internship must be conducted in German. Requirements for this project include a journal; job evaluations; and a final report. May be taken during the summer or semester abroad. GRMN 202 or equivalent proficiency recommended.
ITAL 101: Italian I
Credits 4Introduction to the language and culture of the Italian-speaking world; speaking; reading; understanding; and writing. Practice in language lab. Emphasis on communicative skills. Assumes no prior knowledge of the language. Offered upon availability of instructor. Not open to students with credit in ITAL 102 or the equivalent. (On demand)
ITAL 102: Italian II
Credits 4This course builds on Italian I; increasing students' communicative skills and exploration of Italian-speaking cultures. Students improve their proficiency in speaking; listening; writing and reading Italian through engaging in class activities; in the language lab and with independent work. Students learn to perform practical tasks like ordering in restaurants; dressing; visiting others; and making living arrangements. Prerequisite: ITAL 101 or permission of instructor. Offered upon availability of instructor. (On demand.)
ITAL 200: Special Topics in Italian
Credits 1 4Content varies from year to year. Prerequisite: ITAL 102 or permission of instructor.
ITAL 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.
LATN 101: Latin I
Credits 4This course is an introduction to Classical Latin. Short reading passages introduce students to the culture of the early Roman Empire and basic grammar. Simple exercises in pronunciation and spoken Latin are included. This course examines the influence of Latin on English and of the ancient Roman world on our own.
LATN 102: Latin II
Credits 4This course builds on introductory Latin I. Students explore the history and cultures of the Roman Empire as well as the roots of English. Students improve their proficiency in reading and writing Latin through engaging in class activities and independent work.
LATN 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.
SIGN 101: American Sign Language
Credits 4Development of conversational fluency in ASL. Students will accurately recognize and produce ASL with appropriate non-manual behaviors and grammatical features. Development of linguistic/cultural behaviors conducive to the deaf community and awareness of; and respect for deaf culture. Receptive and expressive skills are fostered.
SIGN 102: American Sign Language II
Credits 4Continued development of conversational fluency in ASL. Emphasis on the production and comprehension of increasingly complex linguistic expressions through dialogue and conversation. More complex receptive and expressive skills are fostered through interactive ASL lessons and participatory activities.
SJST 213: Speaking the Unspeakable: Argentina's Literature of Dictatorship
Credits 4This course introduces literary representations of state violence and resistance during the Argentine military dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s. We engage in close readings of a variety of literary genres; including novels; short stories; autobiography; and testimonial literature. We combine literary readings with study of historical and theoretical texts in order to deepen our understanding of state terrorism; resistance; trauma; memory; and justice. The course is conducted in English; including the readings and films.
SPAN 101: Spanish I
Credits 4Introduction to the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world: speaking; reading; understanding and writing. Practice in language lab. Emphasis on communicative skills. Assumes no prior knowledge of the language. Not open to students with credit in SPAN 102 or the equivalent.
SPAN 102: Introductory Spanish II
Credits 4This course builds on Introductory Spanish I; increasing students' communicative skills and exploration of Spanish-speaking cultures. Students improve their proficiency in speaking; listening; writing and reading Spanish through engaging in class activities; in the language lab and with independent work. Students learn to perform practical tasks like ordering in restaurants; dressing; visiting others; and making living arrangements. Prerequisite: SPAN 101; a score of 201 – 400 on Spanish Language Placement Exam; or permission of instructor.
SPAN 200: Special Topics
Credits 1 4Subject matter not covered in other courses. Topics vary from one semester to another.
SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish III
Credits 4Students integrate and expand on structures and vocabulary; developing cultural awareness through literature; video and online materials. Participation in three weekly classes with their professor and one weekly conversation group with an international teaching assistant increases students' language skills proficiency. (Fall)
SPAN 201D: Discussion
Credits 0SPAN 202: Intermediate Spanish IV
Credits 45Students complete their integration of basic structures and vocabulary; increasing cultural understandings through literature; video and online materials. Participation in three weekly classes with their professor and one weekly discussion group with an international T.A. develops students' oral and written expression. This course may be taken as the elective for the Spanish minor. (Spring)
SPAN 202D: Discussion
Credits 0SPAN 213: Speaking the Unspeakable: Argentina's Literature of Dictatorship
Credits 4This course introduces literary representations of state violence and resistance during the Argentine military dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s. We engage in close readings of a variety of literary genres; including novels; short stories; autobiography; and testimonial literature. We combine literary readings with study of historical and theoretical texts in order to deepen our understanding of state terrorism; resistance; trauma; memory; and justice. The course is conducted in English; including the readings and films.
SPAN 215: Framing Gender: Latin American Film
Credits 4This course introduces students to Latin American film from the 1940’s to the present. Students analyze filmic representations of gender; race; sexuality; and socio-economic class in historical context; exploring relationships among art; politics and culture. Students develop an understanding of film-making practices and acquire and apply critical skills and theoretical approaches to thinking; speaking; and writing about films.
SPAN 216: Cuba Close Up: Film since the Revolution
Credits 4Cuban cinema was transformed by the Revolution; which elevated the importance of film in Cuba and contributed to its political nature. Students analyze filmic representations of gender; race; and socioeconomic class in their historical contexts; exploring the relationship among art; politics; and culture. Students develop critical skills for viewing and interpreting films and for speaking and writing about films and film genres.
SPAN 217: Exiled from Justice: Equatorial Guinean Writers in Africa and Spain
Credits 4Students explore Equatorial Guinea’s literature in the context of its colonial relationship to Spain and its postcolonial position in Africa. Students study the history of Equatorial Guinea; located on the central west African coast; as well as the impact of its wealth of petroleum on development since independence from Spain in 1968.The writers and artists of Equatorial Guinea; residing either in Africa; Spain; or Latin America; create and challenge the definitions of Guineidad as they advocate for justice and a return to a homeland whether literal or metaphorical. Spanish majors/minors will complete some readings in Spanish and complete written work in Spanish. Class is conducted in English. Readings are all available in English.
SPAN 218: The Bombs and Ballots of Basque Literature in Spain
Credits 4This course explores Basque cultural production in the context of Basque nationalist terrorism in Spain. The political context of this parliamentary monarchy and the history of ETA; the Basque nationalist terrorist organization; frames the close reading of Basque poems; short stories; movies and a novel. Does this cultural production provide for its readers the definition of the contemporary Basque nation?
SPAN 220: Literatura Infantil y Juvenil
Credits 4This course provides multiple approaches to the literary production for children and young adults in Spain. Students acquire the tools for potential teaching uses of literature written for a younger target audience. The social and cultural contexts of the included works create the foundation for our study. Students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for expression of their analyses of the texts they read. Children's and Young Adult Literature of Spain is taught in entirely Spanish with a limited number of bilingual and/or English readings.
SPAN 221: Accelerated Spanish-Heritage
Credits 4The course is intended for students who are heritage-speaker learners to further develop their communicative competence. The course combines sociocultural uses of language; dialectal variation and pragmatic; situational contexts to challenge students to excel. The highly intensive pace of the course promotes rapid language acquisition and helps students to advance faster to 300- and 400-level Spanish courses.
SPAN 300: Special Topics
Credits 1 4Subject matter not covered in other courses. Topics vary from one semester to another.
SPAN 301: Advanced Conversation and Composition
Credits 4In this workshop-style course; students practice the styles and mechanics of writing and speaking in academic; professional; and informal contexts. Authentic Hispanic cultural materials are the basis for students¿ essays; speeches; and informal conversation. This course is required for the Spanish major and minor. (Fall)
SPAN 311: Peninsular Culture and Literature I: Medieval - Eighteenth Century
Credits 4An introduction to canonical cultural works of Spain from the Middle Ages through the eighteenth century. Cultural discourse placed in context with socio-historical periods. Essays; literature; videos and/or films. Predominantly in Spanish.*(Alternate years)
SPAN 312: Peninsular Culture and Literature II: 19th - 20th Century
Credits 4An introduction to canonical cultural works of nineteenth-and twentieth-century Spain. Cultural discourse placed in context with socio-historical periods. Can be taken independently or as a continuation of SPAN 311. Course components predominantly in Spanish. *(Alternate years)
SPAN 315: Latin American Culture and Literature I
Credits 4Students are introduced to Latin American culture and literature through analysis of art; architecture; and original texts from the pre-Colombian period to 1900. Films and historical readings enhance students' understanding of indigenous and Hispanic cultures; art; and politics in Latin America. The course is conducted in Spanish and may be taken as one of the core courses for the Spanish major and minor. *(Alternate fall semesters)
SPAN 316: Latin American Culture and Literature II
Credits 4Students are introduced to Latin American culture and literature through analysis of original texts from 1900 through the present. Films and historical readings facilitate students' engagement with literature in its socio-historical context; as well as enhancing students' ability to make connections between artistic and political movements. This course is conducted in Spanish and may be taken as one of the core courses for the Spanish major and minor. (Alternate spring)
SPAN 360: Literary Theory Seminar
Credits 4This course is intended to introduce students with a major or a minor in a foreign literature and language to Literary Theory and Criticism. Students use different types of theory to analyze texts in English and in their target language. This course is required of all foreign language and literature majors and is recommended for those students with a minor in a foreign language.
SPAN 400: Topics in Hispanic Literature
Credits 1 4A study of the literary manifestations of socio-cultural areas such as religion; honor; love; politics; and individuality which are of concern to Hispanics. Taught in Spanish. (Sufficient demand.)
SPAN 402: Readings in Modern Latin American Literature
Credits 4Latin American literature from Modernism to the present. Readings are selected from the works of such authors as Dario; Neruda; Mistral; Borges; Garcia Marques; Cortzar; Donoso; and Vargas Llosa. Gaucho; Indianist and Revolutionary novels are also considered. Taught in Spanish. (GP) (Sufficient demand)
SPAN 404: Latinos/as in the United States
Credits 4An introduction to important writings; art and/or films about the experiences of Latino communities in the United States. Addresses; for example: socio-political; gender; class; language; and generational-change issues reflected in various discourses. Given in Spanish and English.
SPAN 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Independent study is required of Spanish majors. Approved Plan of Study required.
SPAN 485: Internship in Spanish
Credits 1 4An off-campus project in consultation with faculty in the Division of Modern Languages. Students gain experience in a variety of careers involving Spanish and related fields. The internship must be conducted in Spanish. Requirements for this project include a journal; job evaluations; and a final report. May be taken during the summer or semester abroad. SPAN 202 or equivalent proficiency recommended.
SPAN 490: Modern Languages Senior Seminar
Credits 0In this seminar students have the opportunity to complete their electronic portfolio and prepare for an oral defense. In consultation with professors and peers; students select the documents to include in keeping with portfolio requirements. As part of this seminar; students write and revise their Senior Reflective Statement and their resume or curriculum vitae.
WGST 216: Cuba Close Up: Film since the Revolution
Credits 4Cuban cinema was transformed by the Revolution; which elevated the importance of film in Cuba and contributed to its political nature. Students analyze filmic representations of gender; race; and socioeconomic class in their historical contexts; exploring the relationship among art; politics; and culture. Students develop critical skills for viewing and interpreting films and for speaking and writing about films and film genres.